The Ministry of Finance has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Sharjah aimed at strengthening strategic and institutional collaboration in open data and financial data analysis. This initiative is designed to support the development of financial policies, enhance knowledge sharing, and foster the exchange of expertise and best practices between the two entities, aligning with the UAE’s commitment to innovation and financial sustainability. The agreement was formalized at the ministry’s office in Dubai, with the participation of Younis Haji Khouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, and Dr. Issam Al-Din Ajmi, Director of the University of Sharjah.
Representatives from the Ministry of Finance present at the signing included Izzah Al-Jasmi, Director of Government Communications, and Hanadi Al-Ali, Acting Director of Strategy and Future. From the University of Sharjah, attendees included Dr. Noar Thabet, Acting Deputy University Director for Academic Affairs, Dr. Salah Taher Al-Haj, Deputy University Director for Community Affairs, Dr. Ilhan Ozturk, Dean of the College of Business Administration, Dr. Asmaa Nasiri, Director of the Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development, and Malik Mohammed Mahdawi, Director of the Community Cooperation Office.
Younis Haji Khouri stated, “The signing of this memorandum with the University of Sharjah reflects the ministry’s commitment to enhancing strategic partnerships with national academic institutions, which serve as a fundamental pillar for supporting the government innovation ecosystem and developing knowledge-based, data-driven financial policies.”
This partnership exemplifies advanced integration between the government and academic sectors, contributing to the application of scientific research and modern technologies in the analysis of financial data and exploring future trends.
Dr. Issam Al-Din Ajmi emphasized that the memorandum’s signing represents a natural extension of the University of Sharjah’s efforts to strengthen its institutional partnerships with national government bodies. He noted that the university’s role extends beyond training academic professionals to becoming an active partner in devising solutions and shaping policies through the application of scientific research that addresses the priorities of comprehensive national development.
The memorandum establishes a collaborative framework focused on the analysis and application of open data in the preparation of research studies and reports, including forecasting financial futures, evaluating legislative impacts, conducting benchmark comparisons, and analyzing gaps. This supports the development of financial policies and government accounting standards.
Areas of collaboration will also encompass organizing open data hackathons and specialized workshops to foster innovation and data utilization, alongside supporting student projects, promoting financial literacy, and developing analytical models and dashboards that contribute to enhancing financial transparency.